The time twinkled down on the match clock and approached the end of the match. Nearing the dying moments of the match, Lens gradually became adjusted to Le Harve's high-pressing direct style with the players on the field needing time to devise a solution by themselves, without the help of Cardot who has already run out of ideas by the sidelines. There were several close shaves at the Le Harve back post in the last few minutes. With the Lens attackers skimming the post with their distant shots. Despite this, Le Harve's defence stood tall. Snapping all the balls which threatened their goal, making the conversion of the few chances that fell their way, especially on the Counter Attack, much harder.
Finally, in the last second of the game, the shot-stopper for Le Harve had to punch the ball over the bar. As the ball headed towards the net, Le Harve players scrambled to get back, making sure that the goal would not escape their grasp. But before the players rushed back to their half, with all the players from Le Harve gasping for breath and with not much more drive left within them, they were released from their burden as each and every player dropped onto the floor upon hearing the final whistle. The game was over and Le Harve's smiles were contagious. The crowd broke into an exuberant cheer, as a way to express the joy that this moment gave them.
The victory marks Le Harve U-19's first-ever win against divisional rival RC Lens U-19 for the last 3 years. Whilst Lens remains firmly in first place in the Youth League, this loss may be the dent in Lens' continuous challenge for the Championnat National U-19 title.
This victory is a big morale booster for the young players who have worked extremely hard for this victory. The team was composed of very talented and hardworking players. They will now have their eyes on a string of wins against another team who, despite winning their first match last week against Amiens U-19, has failed to find consistency in their match results so far this season. The Le Harve Youth team would look to exploit this low morale and poor form in their next match, as part of their effort in challenging for the Youth League Title.
As the players enjoyed their moment in the limelight, as they slowly recognised their victory as they shook the hands of their opponents in a customary gesture, they were cheered on by large crowds of family, friends and supporters of both teams. The atmosphere of the match provided the players and the supporters with an upbeat and positive feeling. The determination and the focus that Le Harve showed in this game were so admirable. The players showed that passion, perseverance and grit are invaluable assets for success. A win against the Lens U-19 side was not something to be taken lightly.
Marley and Cardot gathered down the sidelines as they approached each other for their handshake. Though the thin and pale Cardot had a bitter look as he reluctantly hung his hand out to be shaken. But Marley always has a friendly smile on his face, and the two shook hands tightly before each returning to their sides to console their players.
Yet as the two managers faced away from one another, Cardot spoke in a deep tone without any resentment but pure disappointment. "the first half... were you holding back?"
Marley merely shook his head and smiled, he was frustrated at his team's team's performance in the opening 45 minutes. But they weren't purposely holding back. "No. We were unable to perform our usual game and we just couldn't get the ball to play our game," he said. "We had to change our plan mid-game to have any hope of winning."
"Changing strategy halfway through the game..." Cardot hesitated to continue the sentence. The defeat of Lens' youth team against Le Harve had left Cardot feeling frustrated and disappointed at the loss. As his team was touted to be the match favourites. He didn't believe that his team deserved the defeat and to make matters worse, their loss had come at the end of a two-week holiday. "All the hard work that the players have put in only to result in defeat... it's just heartbreak." Cardot's expression said it all.
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"Nicely done." Manager Marley spoke in a brief yet concise manner to his players, not hiding his wild smile as he patted each player on the back as they left the field. "Enjoy this moment guys, let's keep working hard to build our team spirit and get even stronger." The players left the field, letting the emotions take over. A huge cheer went up from the crowd as the Le Harve supporters used this moment to display their synced clapping on their approval.
The Le Harve players looked behind them, with the side of the pitch only a few meters away from the stands. A few players took the initiative to wave back at the applauding fans, as recognition and fame were scarce. Others smiled as they bathed in the singing of cheering fans, unfazed by the smiles on the faces of their families, who had made the long journey to cheer them on.
Marley spoke on behalf of the team after the game: "I have to admit that this is a special moment for us. We were poor at the beginning, but as we showed our persistence, work ethic and tenacity to press forward, we finally managed to give the opposition a good run for their money."
The manager took this moment to look at Leroy who is slumped on the sides, the player nodded his head as he listened in.
"This team has been a driving force in training, and we played like lions on the pitch today. Today's win against RC Lens is a true testament to the maturity and mental strength of this team. Lanier, Hugo, and everyone here myself included are now all proud of what you have done, but a mere 14 days from today, we have another big game against Amiens. And I do not doubt in my mind that we are going to do it again! That we can find victory in the bleakest of moments."
The jolly figure glanced at his coaching staff, eyeing them to see if they have any further words to add. The bald Lanier was the first to catch the signal. "We may have walked away with a victory. But know that our first half performance is not up to the standard. We have expected that today would be a hard-fought game, but that is no excuse to go into the match with a lackadaisical attitude."
Lanier took the moment to put down his clipboard, putting down his pen, which lay beside him and put his arm around Leroy's shoulder. "And you boy. I swear I will pluck your hair out if you keep getting booked!"
Leroy's stiff attitude broke as he laughed and shook off Lanier's grip, letting his hand go.
"Now the rest of you stay healthy. We begin training first thing tomorrow." The manager spoke as he postured himself to his players. As these young men are in the youth team, these players don't get the luxurious treatment of transportation provided by their club.
As the players, each left the field one by one, with the young players each finding their family members observing from the stands. The coaching staff of Le Harve find themselves hanging behind the players for a brief moment. Marley looks to his right, nodding to his right-hand man, Lanier, who nods back. "Let's get back to work tomorrow."
And with that, the members of Le Harve U-19 walked out of Stade Charles Argentin to their means of transport. With that, the day had come to an end, and there is a big chance for Le Harve to prove they are a good side worthy of the Championnat National U-19 Trophy.
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On his commuting journey home, Kai found himself taking the local buses home as he reimagines the match being played in his head. But he only shook his head as he thought of the dying moments of the Le Harve vs RC Lens game, not impressed by the way Le Harve lost control at the end. But he didn't blame the players, nor did he blame the other team being individually better in almost every position, but he blamed himself for his tactical oversight.
RC Lens with their 4-3-3 had been possession orientated, with them always playing the ball out from their centre backs. Le Harve lined up first as a 4-3-3, but in a more direct manner and dropping a bit deeper to leave the opposition centre back time and space to play the ball. Although this tactical option would work in most cases, having players such as Salmon who has an expansive passing range makes the tactic redundant. But Kai found solace in that his tactical input had put them back into the game, which was largely inspired by Germany's transitional excellence.
But the Asian player was disappointed, frustrated to an extent in that his tactic's flaws had been discovered, and that the other team also had the tactical awareness, and he was almost left in defeat by his choices.
As his bus approached his stop, he pulled out his iPod, fixing his scarf as his vision was drawn into focus. He stared at the urban streets, his glasses perfectly aligned with his eyes as he pushed the volume button on his device.
So much. Kai has so much more to learn. And most importantly, he wished he could play a match.